Schmidt Family Christmas

For the last few years, we have celebrated Christmas with my dad on Christmas Eve's Eve (the 23rd). We always start with opening stockings, have a yummy dinner, then open presents, watch movies and wake up and have breakfast together. This year was no different. Cohan was very excited to see all the presents.

He was ready to open his stocking. He could have cared less about anything except the fruit chews.

Between stockings and dinner, Cohan shared his new toy that Aunt Colleen had given him. Tayler, Cohan and Abby loved coloring with the cars.

After dinner, it was time to open gifts. My sister, Clara, couldn't be there, but she sure did have good gifts for Cohan. He loved all the tractors and trucks he opened!!!

Our new set of family camping chairs! Cohan had to test them all out.

Cousin Love!

Cohan came down with his PJs on, still ready to play with his new toys. I love the quote; it is so appropriate for him... "Dear Santa, Define Good."

We woke up the next morning, and had a yummy breakfast. Thanks Dad and Chris for an awesome Christmas celebration!! We feel so very blessed.

Aunt Kenley Graduates

Cohan's godmother, Kenley, has been in the Accelerated Nursing Program at Columbia College. She graduated a couple of weeks ago and we were there to cheer her on! Cohan loved cheering for everyone, but stood and cheered a little louder for his Aunt Kenley.

We are so proud of her!! Love you Aunt Kenley!

Christmas Baking and Decorating

This weekend we did LOTS of Holiday baking and decorating. We were excited that Avery and Mack got to come over Saturday and play while their parents finished shopping! Avery, Mack and Cohan started the weekend by decorating their gingerbread houses that Scott made them. As soon as Cohan saw Scott making them with icing, he got in his chair and helped himself to a spoon! Cohan and Mack shared a house and Avery did her own. Mack ate lots of the candy; I don't think he actually put any on the house! =)

Cohan's finished product!

Avery's is on the left, Cohan's is on the right.

Sunday, after breakfast, church, lunch and Cohan's nap, we decorated the gingerbread cookies I made. Cohan ate lots of decorations.

Cohan's decorated cookies are on the left. The right shows all the plates I made for neighbors and friends. I was busy. I made puppy chow, chex mix, chingalings, snow balls, peppermint bark, gingerbread cookies and chocolate covered pretzels.

Fun Inside

It has been a fun and busy weekend. Posts later about all our events... For now, Cohan and Scott have fun with his bike inside!

Tis the Season

We had a really bust weekend. My best friend, Betsy, and her husband, Matt moved into their new home. On Friday, we took over pizzas and started the unpacking at the new house. Cohan loved running around and helping Aunt Betsy (Boo Boo).

Saturday was the big move day. We didn't think that Cohan would be so helpful ALL DAY. We called Mark and Beth, and Cohan headed out to their house for the day! He had an awesome time and we owe them huge!

Sunday was the day to decorate our house. Every year, for the past 5 or 6 years, we have cut our own tree down. We go to the same place each year. It's our little tradition. Scott grew up always cutting down a real tree. We never did that in my family and I love doing it now.

Cohan's favorite part of the tree farm, of course, was the tractor ride out to the trees. Once we were out there, he just kept saying, "More tractor, please!" He could have cared less about a tree.

Cohan wanted to help Daddy cut down the tree.

Happy boy on the tractor ride!!!

Treats from the tree farm on the way home.

Then the decorating began...

While Cohan was napping, Scott and I emptied all the boxes out of the attic, moved around Cohan's toys and then did all the outside lights.

This was such a surprise for Cohan when he woke up!!

I finally finished all the decorations around Cohan's bed time. He didn't care about the inside lights, he loved looking out at the lights and saying, "WOW!" Here is our front tree.

Growing up, we always had a Christmas tree in our room. Cohan has one in his with all the ornaments that he has received. He loved this one that is a block that plays music. He dances and tries to sing along.

CHEEEEEESE!!!!

The mantel and our big 8 foot real tree.

Cohan helping shop vac the needles.

Tonight we put out Cohan's shoes. It is the feast of St. Nicholas tomorrow. Growing up, we always put out our shoes out and St. Nicholas would fill them with goodies if we were good. This must be a Catholic thing, because Scott knew nothing about it.

He picked out a pair of shoes...
Set them out and St. Nick came!! He must have been a good boy! I can't wait for him to see it in the morning!